Ayla Spoljar is a Pioneer.
No, the St. John Central softball standout isn't wandering off on some kind of wilderness trip.
But she did sign with NCAA Division III Marietta College last week to further her academic and athletic careers.
"I liked the campus and the academics," she said. "It seemed like a good fit."
Spoljar, who is a four-year letterwinner for head coach Jerry Magistro, says that the Pioneers are interested in her as a third baseman/pitcher, but she would like to pitch if she has her way.
"I've only been pitching for about four years," she explained.
"But I've been playing softball since I was 4 years old."
She why start pitching at such a late stage in her career?
"I like the challenge of it," she admitted. "I have seven pitches and I use them all when I'm inside the circle."
A slick-fielding shortstop when she's not on the mound, moving to third should be an easy transition for her.
"It's all about quick reactions," she noted. "It's actually better at third than short."
One of the most powerful hitters in the Irish's star-studded history, she said going from high school to college will be a big change.
"It's going to an adjustment, but I just have to keep my eye on the ball and make contact."
As a junior, she hit a whopping .438 with 13 doubles and five triples.
She was also sparkling inside the circle where she compiled a minuscule 0.72 ERA.
In addition to Marietta, Spoljar was also recruited by Wooster College.
Marietta plays in the Ohio Athletic Conference and is coached by veteran Jeanne Arbuckle, who was 427-378 entering this season - her 23rd.
The Pioneers were ranked as high as 14th in the NCAA Division III poll in 2007, the same season they qualified for the national tournament before finishing 34-12.
